Abstract: Disclosed is a member comprising an interactive material which is covalently bonded to a support body by a linker material. The member can be used as a part of an assay, and the support body may include a scintillator material.

Abstract: A method to follow the uptake of labeled materials into scintillant-marked compartments, cells, tissue and organelles in real time by monitoring the location of scintillant-emitted light is disclosed.

Abstract: Persistent biological indicators of exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly nucleic acid indicators, can be employed in determining whether a subject has been exposed to ionizing radiation. Such biological indicators can be identified via the technique of differential display.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed IPC synthase-inhibitor assays comprise the steps of: (1) expression of the IPC1 gene in a cell; (2) introducing labeled starting substrates for ceramide conversion as well as potential inhibitor(s) of such conversion to the expressed gene product in an environment which allows time and conditions for conversion, and (3) identifying those potential inhibitors which actually inhibit conversion.

Abstract: An assay method and kit for detecting specific oral cariogenic bacteria, ., mutans streptococci, Lactobacillus sp. and Actinomyces sp., separately or in combination, comprising gathering a sample suspected of containing cariogenic bacteria; treating the sample with a stripping buffer to remove host antibodies from bacteria present in the sample; retaining the treated bacteria on a blocked solid phase substrate; reacting the retained bacteria with a primary antibody specific for the desired cariogenic bacteria; reacting the primary antibody with a conjugated label producing a detectable signal; and detecting the signal whereby the presence of the desired cariogenic bacteria is determined in the sample. The device for conducting these assays is a frame or support which holds a solid substrate capable of retaining the bacteria of interest while permitting drainage of other materials or fluids away from the retained bacteria.

Abstract: A vessel, or an array of vessels, in the form of a multiwell plate, wherein the side walls are opaque and non-scintillant, and wherein the base comprises a scintillant substance, said base being formed of a plastics material which does not permit the attachment or growth of cells.

Abstract: A 134 kDa, calcium-independent, chitin-binding lectin called chitovibrin is secreted by marine bacteria of the genus Vibrio. The secretion of chitovibrin is inducible by chitin or chitin-oligomers. Chitovibrin shows no apparent enzymatic activity, but has a strong affinity for chitin and for chito-oligomers dp9 and larger. The protein has an isoelectric pH of 3.6, shows thermal tolerance, binds chitin with an optimum at pH 6 and is active in 0-4 M NaCl. Chitovibrin is useful as a stain for fungi and other chitin-containing organisms. Chitovibrin may be used to detect the presence of chitin, particularly in diagnosing fungal infections in humans, animals, and plant materials. Fungal infections are a particular problem in immunocompromised hosts such as AIDS patients and bone marrow transplant patients, because they can cause opportunistic infections. The chitovibrin diagnostic method allows the convenient, broad spectrum diagnosis of fungal infections in tissue samples or in body fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for isolating calcineurin as well as inhibiting calcineurin activity. The compositions are peptides that contain regions that are homologous to calcineurin-binding regions of AKAP 79. Also provided are methods for determining if a cell contains a calcineurin-binding and PKA-binding anchoring protein that are useful for identifying additional proteins that bind both calcineurin and PKA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screening methods for the identification of compounds and compositions useful as novel antibiotics and antibacterial agents. In particular, the present invention relates to methods utilizing two-component regulatory switches, for example, those comprising a prokaryotic enzyme such as histidine protein kinase that is activated to autophosphorylate by a signal transduction mechanism. The invention also relates to methods of identifying inhibitors of enzyme activity, particularly in bacterial cells. In particular, a high-throughput assay system useful in the large-scale screening of protein kinase inhibitors is disclosed.

Abstract: A cell culture of correctly regulated .beta.-cells having enhanced secretion of insulin is described. A method of selecting such correctly regulated .beta.-cells is also described comprising the following steps:(a) providing a population of cells comprising .beta.-cells in which increased intracellular concentrations of calcium ions is correlated with the extracellular presence of glucose;(b) exposing the population to a vital calcium-activated labelling agent;(c) exposing the population to glucose in a concentration sufficient to result in secretion of the insulin; and(d) selecting from the population, cells which exhibit a higher level of intracellular free calcium or insulin secretion when exposed to said concentration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for studying cellular processes comprise a vessel having a base including a layer comprising a scintillant substance and which is adapted for attachment and/or growth of cells. Cellular processes are examined by scintillation proximity assay using a reagent labelled with a radioisotope.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions, their methods of preparation and use in binding bio-affecting substances to the surface membrane of bioparticles, such as enkaryotic cells, without producing appreciable detrimental effect on morphology or physiological function of cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for isolating calcineurin as well as inhibiting calcineurin activity. The compositions are peptides that contain regions that are homologous to calcineurin-binding regions of AKAP 79. Also provided are methods for determining if a cell contains a calcineurin-binding and PKA-binding anchoring protein that are useful for identifying additional proteins that bind both calcineurin and PKA.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel assays which allow the identification of compounds which block the ability of lentiviruses to infect non-dividing cells. Compounds discovered employing the invention methods can be employed to block the ability of HIV to infect non-dividing cells. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, novel antibodies have been developed which are specifically immunoreactive with the phosphorylated form of HIV-1 MA. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, novel kinases which phosphorylate HIV-1 MA have been discovered.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of testing the cardiotoxicity of compounds and kits useful for the same.

Abstract: Peptide sequence capable of initiating delayed hypersensitivity reactions of different intensity in the presence of living bacteria as opposed to dead bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The sequence is characterized in that it comprises no more than 0.5% by weight of tyrosine, phenylalanine, methionine, histidine, arginine and cysteine amino acids. The invention also concerns the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of a peptide or protein comprising said sequence.

Abstract: Entry of .sup.13 C-enriched acetyl-CoA into the citric acid cycle results in scrambling of .sup.13 C into the various carbon positions of all intermediate pools. The eventual result is that the .sup.13 C resonances of all detectable intermediates or molecules exchanging with those intermediates appear as multiplets due to nearest neighbor spin-spin couplings. Isotopomer analysis of the glutamate .sup.13 C multiplets provides a history of .sup.13 C flow through the cycle pools. Relative substrate utilization and relative anaplerotic flux can be quantitated. A major limitation of the method for in vivo applications is spectral resolution of multi-line resonances required for a complete isotopomer analysis. It is now shown that (.sup.13 C)homonuclear decoupling of the glutamate C3 resonance collapses nine-line C4 and C2 resonances into three line multiplets. These three-line .sup.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process for detecting and determining an oxidized lipid in a specimen, which is capable of readily and accurately determining a specimen as containing an oxidized lipid, and a process for forming a water-soluble oxidized lipid having a hydroperoxide group which has specific influence on a living body. A specimen is detected and determined to contain an oxidized lipid by adding a lanthanide shift reagent to a specimen, followed by spectroscopic analysis thereof. An oxidized lipid is formed by adding superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CuSO.sub.4 to (1) an emulsion prepared by dissolving linoleic acid or arachidonic acid in deuterated methyl alcohol and adding the solution to a deuterated phosphate buffer under stirring, or to (2) a low density lipoprotein solution sufficiently dialyzed against an undeuterated phosphate buffer; followed by irradiation with long-wave ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a sandwich hybridization assay wherein a nucleic acid capture probe is firstly immobilized on an assay plate via masked receptors on the plate. The capture probe is immobilized by the binding of receptor ligands on the capture probe during this first step. Subsequently, target nucleic acid is hybridized to the immobilized capture probe either before or after the hybridization of an indicator nucleic acid probe onto the target. The target is quantified via detection of the immobilized indicator signal.

Abstract: A multi-purpose on-line or field-portable system and method for monitoring the presence and concentration of selected antigen-antibody reactions singly or in combination that result from the presence of specific microorganisms or free antigens present or suspended in aqueous solutions, during a given time period. The detection system comprises a detection column and two sensors mounted around the J-shaped detection column. Each sensor consists of an electromagnetic radiation source and an appropriate detector for the electromagnetic radiation. The reacted analyte tends to accumulate at the sensor located in the curve of the J-shaped detection column. The lower sensor continually nulls against the upper sensor to subtract any optical effects due to non-reactants in the aqueous process or environmental stream. The response from the detector sensors drive an electric circuit, which provides an output signal.

Abstract: A method of selecting cells with enhanced secretion of a secretory product is disclosed. The method comprises exposing a population of cells to a secretagogue to result in the secretion of a secretory product from the cells and selecting from the population, cells that exhibit increased amounts of intracellular free calcium when exposed to the secretagogue. The method enables the selection of correctly regulated .beta. cells that secrete appropriate amounts of insulin in response to varying glucose levels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the determination of a physiological abnormality in a human or animal subject, which method includes determining ion flux across the membrane of epithelial cells taken from the subject, wherein said cells are selected from the group consisting of check epithelial (buccal mucosal) cells, skin dermal epithelial cells and bladder epithelial cells. In one embodiment of the invention, the ion is a sodium ion, and the physiologically abnormality is hypertension or a predisposition towards hypertension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the contribution of one or more exogenously administered .sup.13 C-labeled substrates to acetyl-CoA. The measurement can be made in a tissue or cell using .sup.13 C NMR without the constraint of metabolic or isotopic steady-state. Furthermore, the method permits the determination even when spectral lines are broad due to B.sub.0 inhomogeneity, thereby opening the way for substrate utilization studies in vivo. The method does not require many of the simplifying assumptions involved in .sup.11 C or .sup.14 C methods, and, since a stable isotope, .sup.13 C, is used a wide variety of compounds with complex labeling patterns may be synthesized and studied.

Abstract: A method for determining three-dimensional structural information of a protein involves producing the protein in a form substantially labeled with .sup.13 C or .sup.15 N or both and subjecting the protein to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis. The isotopically labeled protein is produced by a method which involves producing a substantially labeled microbial protein hydrolysate, subjecting the protein hydrolyzate to cation exchange chromatography to produce a partially purified labeled amino acid mixture, subjecting the partially purified labeled amino acid mixture to anion exchange chromatography to produce a purified labeled amino acid mixture and supplementing the purified labeled amino acid mixture with isotopically labeled cysteine.

Abstract: A method of performing an assay to determine whether a patient has been exposed to or infected by Borrelia burgdorferi is disclosed which comprises collecting serum from the patient; preparing a sample mixture comprising a portion of the patient's serum and an inoculum of viable Borrelia burgdorferi organisms; incubating the sample mixture; determining the number of viable organisms remaining in the sample mixture after incubation; and comparing the number with the quantity of viable organisms remaining in a control. An assay kit is also disclosed which is useful for determining whether a patient has been exposed to or infected by Borrelia burgdorferi. The kit contains reagents necessary to practice the assay method disclosed herein. In its broadest form, the kit comprises an inoculum of viable Borrelia burgdorferi organisms. The kit can also contain an aliquot of normal serum, an aliquot of BSK medium and/or an aliquot of complement. Other reagents, tubes and other materials can also be included in the kits.

Abstract: A method of identifying compounds that modulate the activity of myocardial calcium-independent phospholipase A.sub.2 is disclosed. In a test assay of the method of the invention, myocardial calcium-independent phospholipase A.sub.2 40 kDa catalytic subunit, 85kDa phosphofructokinase isoform, ATP, a substrate and a test compound are combined and the myocardial calcium-independent phospholipase A.sub.2 activity is determined. The level of activity observed in the test assay is compared to the level of activity generated from a control assay which is similar to the test assay but which does not include the test compound. Essentially pure myocardial calcium-independent phospholipase A.sub.2 85kDa phosphofructokinase isoform is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting (i) one or more microorganisms or (ii) nucleic acid sequences from a prokaryotic source or an eukaroytic source in an unpurified nucleic acid-containing test sample comprising(a) labeling the nucleic acids in the test sample,(b) contacting, under hybridization conditions, the labeled hybridizable nucleic acid and one or more immobilized hybridizable nucleic acid probes comprising (i) one or more known microorganisms or (ii) sequences from eukaroytic or prokaryotic sources, to form hybridized labeled nucleic acids, and(d) assaying for the hybridized nucleic acids by detecting the label. The method can be used to detect genetic disorders, e.g., sickle-cell anemia.

Abstract: Selective detection of microorganisms is achieved by a screening technique in which radioactively labeled, low-molecular-weight metabolites produced by microorganisms to be detected reach an adsorption medium through a semipermeable medium which passes the labeled metabolites but blocks the labeled incubation medium. The adsorption medium is then subject to analysis, such as antoradiography, to detect the presence of the labeled metabolites.

Abstract: Selective detection of microorganisms is achieved by a screening technique in which radioactively labeled, low-molecular-weight metabolites produced by microorganisms to be detected reach an adsorption medium through a semipermeable medium which passes the labeled metabolites but blocks the labeled incubation medium. The adsorption medium is then subject to analysis, such as autoradiography, to detect the presence of the labeled metabolites.

Abstract: A method of assessing a cell's susceptibility to cell-damaging energy, such as ionizing radiation and heat, is disclosed. The method is based on measurable changes in voltage-dependent potassium channel currents in the cell in response to the energy. Also disclosed is a method for screening drugs which are effective to sensitize a cell to cell-damaging radiation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for diagnosing for an aneurysm in a patient which comprises the steps of (a) explanting a skin section containing dermal fibroblast from the patient; (b) culturing the fibroblast to confluence in a culture medium; (c) incubating the cultured fibroblast with labeled proline to provide labeled procollagen in the culture medium; (d) separating the culture medium from the labeled procollagen and treating the labeled procollagen with a solution of protease inhibitor; (e) separating and purifying the labeled procollagen from the solution of protease inhibitor; (f) subjecting the labeled procollagen to protease digestion specific for non-collagenous proteins to form a collagenous mixture; (g) analyzing the collagenous mixture for the ratio of type I collagen to type III collagen; (h) analyzing a control collagenous mixture for the ratio of type I collagen to type III collagen; and (i) comparing the ratio of type I collagen to type III collagen in the collagenous mixture of

Abstract: A simple device functioning as a radiorespirometer is a petri dish with a modified cover for quantitating an amount of CO.sub.2 evolved by living cultured cells. The device is a plastic culture dish having a culture surface circumscribed by a continuous sidewall. A removable flat plastic cover has a flat inside face and an annular collar around the face that fits against a sidewall. The collar is maintained in substantially gas-tight relationship against the sidewall by an elastic band or tightly mating surfaces. An opening through the cover is sealed by a gas-impervious material, such as a plastic film, that can be penetrated by a needle to introduce acid into the dish for terminating culture growth and lysing the cells. A collector tube is removably secured to the inside face of the cover and contains a CO.sub.2 trapping material, such as hyamine (methylbenzethonium hydroxide). The culture medium is provided with a cell substrate that contains radioactive carbon, and radioactive CO.sub.

Abstract: A method, a sensor and apparatus for detecting biological activities in a specimen, for example in a blood sample, are provided in which a sealable container is sealed with a culture medium therein into which the sample is introduced, metabolic processes are enhanced in the presence of microorganisms in the sample and changes taking place in the concentrations of the substances such to such processes are detected and monitored with an excitation and detection assembly assigned to concentration sensors, herein the form of optodes which are optically coupled to the excitation and detection assembly and thereby to an evaluation unit for determining concentration changes of the substances over time as indications of the presence of microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of Coxiella burnetii in biological samples, as well as a method for differentiating strains of C. burnetii that are capable of causing acute disease from those strains capable of causing chronic disease are disclosed. The methods generally comprise treating cells contained within the biological sample to expose cellular DNA, and hybridizing the cellular DNA with a DNA probe containing DNA sequences that specifically hybridize with C. burnetii DNA of strains associated with the capacity to cause acute or chronic disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of amplified biotin-labelled DNA target sequences of Chlamydia trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction techniques and the detection of such sequences by a microtiter plate having plurality of wells and having bound thereto oligonucleotide capture probe complementary to said target sequence.

Abstract: A high speed, luminescence detection arrangement for sequentially measuring the luminescence emitted from a plurality of luminescence sources under test. A tray holder contains a plurality of cup-like sample wells, from which the luminescent radiation is emitted, and each of the cup-like sample wells is sequentially positioned in a predetermined location to allow the detection and measurement of the intensity of the luminescence emitted therefrom. Displays are provided to provide a detectible display, having a magnitude proportional to the intensity of the luminescence detected. Fluid dispensing is operatively interconnected to allow injection of one or more fluids into each of the cup-like sample wells at a predetermined time before measurement of the luminescence emitted therefrom.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel in vitro process for identifying and quantifying native antigens on potentially pathogenic group B streptococci bacteria present in a clinical specimen. The invention process is made possible by the discovery of novel bacterial markers denoted .gamma. and .delta. epitopes which are expressed by a variety of group B streptococcal strains.

Abstract: Termini of restricted double-stranded DNA fragments are modified by ligating the fragments with terminal phosphate-free double-stranded oligonucleotides having a complementary terminus in the presence of a restriction enzyme and a ligase, where joining of the complementary ends results in loss of the restriction enzyme recognition sequence.

Abstract: Nucleic acid fragment capable of hybridizing to rRNA of Listeria monocytogenes and not to rRNA of Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: Geomicrobiological exploration method employing one or more culture, luminometry or tritiated thymidine assays of microbes (bacteria) for sensitivity, determined as survival rate in percentage, of the microbes to selected toxic materials, preferably heavy metals and/or hydrocarbons. The survival assay values are plotted as contours on a geophysical map and target areas of potential interest are identified and further evaluated by inspection or other techniques. Examples show actual use of the techniques to identify a target area in a raw prospect petroleum lease area which was drilled to successful oil discovery thus proving the method. Sensitivity test incubation ranges from 1-3 hours (preferably 2 hours) for heavy metals at 20-25 degrees C., and 3-10 min. for pentene/hexane at 15-20 degrees C. Luminometry is fastest, being run in 1.5-30 minutes and most suitable for field surveys. Toxics concentrations may range from 0.001 ug/ml to 15,000 ug/ml for heavy metals to 0.001-25 vol % for hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A receptor preparation of biologically active receptor material is produced in which a cell membrane preparation is lyophilized accompanied by the addition of sugars and/or amino acids and/or proteins. A radioreceptor assay can be produced therefrom, which contains the colyophilizate of cell membrane together with sugar compounds and/or amino acids and/or proteins, as well as a tracer substance and a comparison standard substance. A radioreceptor assay kit uses the radioreceptor assay by making available the substances in a plurality of test containers containing a colyophilizate suitable for the assay.

Abstract: A reagent for reticulocyte counting by flow cytometry which comprises two solutions, namely, a stock solution for staining in which a dye is dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent, and a buffer solution which satisfies the optimum staining conditions.By combining these two solutions immediately before measurement, a stable final staining solution for reticulocyte counting can always be obtained.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of nutriment absorbed in living organisms comprising animals, fish and plants comprises adding to the animal, fish or plant food one or more elements from the lanthanide series as tracers. After the nutriment has been absorbed, a sample is taken from a localized part of the living organism, for example a fish scale, and the sample is analyzed by ICP (inductively coupled plasma) to determine the amount of tracer and thus the amount of absorbed nutriment in the living organism.

Abstract: A method of controlling weight in a mammal and diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders associated with delta-type opioid receptors comprising administering to the mammal a receptor probe or a weight control agent for inhibiting weight gain. The receptor probe or weight control agent may comprise certain azine, thiosemicarbazone, or N,N'-disubstituted thiourea derivatives of nonpeptide opioid antagonists.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of Coxiella burenetii in biological samples, as well as a method for differentiating strains of C. burnetii that are capable of causing acute disease from those strains capable of causing chronic disease are disclosed. The methods generally comprise treating cells contained within the biological sample to expose cellular DNA, and hybridizing the cellular DNA (specifically rickettsial DNA) with a C. burnetii-specific labeled DNA probe. Radioisotope and biotin labels are preferred, allowing detection through autoradiography and colorimetric assays, respectively.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of Coxiella burnetii in biological samples, as well as a method for differentiating strains of C. burnetii that are capable of causing acute disease from those strains capable of causing chronic disease are disclosed. The methods generally comprise treating cells contained within the biological sample to expose cellular DNA, and hybridizing the cellular DNA (specifically rickettsial DNA) with a C. burnetii-specific labeled DNA probe. Radioisotope and biotin labels are preferred, allowing detection through autoradiography and colorimetric assays, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the detection of chemiluminescence, e.g., the luminescent assay of an analyte in a sample. Sample, namely the production of a permanent photographic record of such chemiluminescence, e.g., by the use of a POLAROID film. The apparatus includes three interrelated elements. The first element comprises a film holder for holding a photographic film sensitive to a chemiluminescent reaction of the sample, the film holder defining a window in registry with any photographic film which may be held in the film holder.

Abstract: A late differentiation antigen (LDA.sub.1) expressed by activated helper cells is described. LDA.sub.1 is a membrane protein recognized by a monoclonal antibody produced by immunizing mice with an alloreactive human T cell clone with helper function. LDA.sub.1 is expressed by helper T cells optionally 9 days after activation. Anti-LDA.sub.1 monoclonal antibody blocks T cell enhancement of B-cell immunoglobulin production. Thus, LDA.sub.1 is associated with helper T cell effector function. Methods of diagnosis and therapy based upon LDA.sub.1 are also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for isolating a mutant microorganism. The method includes the following steps:(1) separately microencapsulating individual or small numbers of a microorganism population containing the mutant to obtain a first microdroplet;(2) thereafter surrounding the first microdroplet, with or without an outer semi-permeable membrane, with an outer gel-coating to obtain a gel-coated microdroplet, wherein the gel layer contains an indicator material which reacts to the presence of the mutant microorganism;(3) culturing the resultant microcapsules so that the microdroplets containing mutant microorganism are able to induce a detectable difference in the indicator material from microdroplets, containing non-mutant microorganisms; and(4) separating the microdroplets containing mutant microorganisms from those containing non-mutant microorganisms based upon the differences in the indicator material.

Abstract: Methods for reproducibly labelling viable cells with cyanine dyes that do not significantly affect cell viability. Applications for labelled cells include using labelled red blood cells to distinguish post-transfusional bleeding from immunologic reaction and using dilution to measure growth rate of cultured cells.